Page 66 of The Stolen Kingdom

The intensity in Maris’s words was enough to make Melvian shut her mouth and roll her eyes. “Fine. I will go out and then lock myself in, but what about you?”

Maris turned to Eyphah, who stared at both women with uncertainty. Maris was sure Eyphah didn't know what they were up against, plus she was sure the older woman hasn't faced something quite like this. An attack on New Agenor with the full power of the Skylian army was a death sentence.

“I will be fine. Now go.” Maris patted her friend’s cheek and waited until she had closed the door to address Eyphah.

The surrounding air was damp and heavy, and Maris wanted nothing to do with her, but she knew this woman was her only shoulder to lean on if she wanted to save her people.

If only she weren’t so stubborn…

“I need your help.”

“I know,” Eyphah said, releasing a tired groan and scratching the back of her neck as if it would relieve the tension. “And I know the last thing you want to do is talk to me.”

“Thank you for being aware.”

“But I think we have to.”

“Eyphah,” Maris sighed, her head dropping into her hand so she could rub the bridge of her nose. “There is nothing to discuss. Right now, what I need is your help. Can you at least do that for me? Please?”

Maris watched the hesitation in Eyphah’s features boil over to something she wasn’t quite able to comprehend. There was no doubt in Maris’s mind Eyphah was angry, possibly hurt from what happened last night, but Eyphah’s anger could not compare to Maris’s. Yet, she needed Eyphah.

“I will help,” Eyphah stated, uncrossing her arms, trying to seem relaxed. “Just give out the orders.”

“Good. Gather the horses and all the working carriages. I need everyone to get to work right now. Tell them the truth. We are fleeing to gain more time to prepare.”

Eyphah nodded. Without another word, she walked out the door, followed by Maris. They made their way to the square and the people around them knew something was wrong. Seeing the queen and their previous leader in the square meant an important announcement. Maris confirmed what many had dreaded since the day she arrived in New Agenor.

The Skylian Army was coming, and the only way they could survive was to leave the place. Older adults and children would leave with a handful of able-bodied fighters for Titania, and hopefully, Valda’s men would be there for them. There was no time to lose. As soon as Maris finished giving the news and Eyphah the instructions, everyone spread out to do as they were told.

Eyphah prepared all the horses and carriages. In the first hour, already four carriages had left for Titania, and Maris’s anxiousness rose with every passing minute. As the fifth carriage went with a group of children, she noticed something missing.

Coljar and company were nowhere to be seen… Maris frowned. She walked to the House of Arago and found it empty. No Melvian in sight…

Maris opened Melvian's cottage and called out “Melvian!” but there was no answer. She hoped her friend followed instruction and headed out with the first group. With an exasperated groan and her anxiety flaring, she returned to the square, where she found Eyphah helping an older woman into a carriage.

“Did Melvian get in the first carriages?”

Eyphah settled the woman in the carriage before addressing Maris’s. “I haven’t seen her.”

“I told her I wanted her out inthe first carriage.”

“Maybe she is helping others move?” Eyphah suggested, and shrugged.

Maris ran her fingers through her hair. “I am getting tired of people not listening to my orders.”

“Comes with the job,” Eyphah snapped back. “Did you check the lakes?”

“No…”

“At this time of the day, a lot of youngsters head out to relax there. Maybe she went there to let them know we were moving. Do you want me to go get her?”

“No, I will,” Maris muttered as she moved past Eyphah and grabbed one horse destined for the carriage. “Keep everyone moving. Don’t wait for me.”

“Aye, aye captain.” Eyphah mocked a salute and watched as Maris galloped to the lakes on the outskirts.

At first, Maris thought she would be angry when she saw Melvian with her hands on her hips, looking down at Coljar. Young Lia was next to the boy while Kimmi looked at Melvian anxiously. Kimmi had proven to be a carefree young girl. Seeing that expression on her face turned Maris’s stomach. Kimmi was the first to face Maris as she got closer. The young girl flinched and touched Coljar’s shoulder to let him know they had company.

“I can’t believe this!” Maris barked before jumping off the horse. The trident was securely tied to the saddle. She usually never carried it around, but something in her chest, probably Valda, screamed at her to be careful, to be armed and well prepared. “Melvian, I told you I wanted you out with the first group!”

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